“Council member Dolan and I have agreed that this extra measure is advisable at this time,” Reynolds says in the memo distributed Wednesday.

Reynolds today said that he thought the committee reassignments were key to turning the conversation back to more pressing matters.

“I think it’s time for everyone to get back to the important decisions of the business of the city,” he said.

Northampton County residents called for grand jury duty last month were questioned about any possible ties to Dolan or the center and county District Attorney John Morganelli said he may seek an investigation into any possible conflict of interest.

Dolan contends the $128,000 worth of work were items the city had agreed to pay for and that she hasn't taken any votes as a councilwoman that were conflicts of interest. She didn't return a call for comment today.

Reynolds also said the committee reassignments will make for a smoother process in the renegotiation of the center's lease, which will likely go before the parks and public property committee.

“When there is a lease that the administration and the board of the environmental center have agreed on, council will consider it as we do all leases after both sides have weighed in and discussed what they think should be in there,” he said.

Dolan will now chair the public works committee while Councilwoman Cathy Reuscher will head the parks and public property committee.